From scholarships and TVET education to community support and digital access, the Martin K. N. Kollie Foundation records one of its most impactful years in Liberia
A Year of Action and Deliverables
In a country where advocacy often ends with big speeches and press statements, Liberian activist in exile Martin K. N. Kollie stood out in 2025 by backing his words with concrete action. Through the Martin K. N. Kollie Foundation (MKNK-F), Kollie led more than 31 direct interventions that touched hundreds of lives across Liberia, focusing on education, youth empowerment, inclusion, community development, and social justice.
For Kollie, activism is incomplete without inspiring and implementing sustainable solutions. His work in 2025 and even prior to 2025 reflected a deliberate shift from protest to progress, proving that sustainable change is possible when advocacy is matched with investment in people.
Transforming Lives Through Education
Education remained the cornerstone of the Foundation’s work. In 2025, the MKNK Foundation provided full four-year degree scholarships to 40 Liberians, including county student union members, persons with disabilities, and Albinos. An additional 18 students received scholarships and financial aid at institutions such as UL, AMEU, UMU, and AMEZU.
The Foundation also paid L$300,000 in entrance fees for 100 students at the University of Liberia, with special inclusion for visually impaired and deaf students. Scholarships were extended to 10 aspiring journalists at the Peter Quaqua School of Journalism and one student at Booker T. Washington Institute, reinforcing the Foundation’s belief in inclusive access to education.
Massive Investment in TVET and Skills Training
Recognizing the urgent need for practical skills, the Foundation sponsored over 300 young Liberians to obtain TVET education across multiple institutions, including AVTI, ForLife Institute, AlphaTech, LYCEP, KENSTI, and three major TVET institutions in Margibi County. Notably, 60 adolescent girls were empowered with TVET education and life skills, addressing both unemployment and gender inequality.
In addition, 80 young professionals were trained at the GONET Academy, while 65 Liberians were enrolled in the Foundation’s Foreign Scholarship Assistance Program, expanding global opportunities for Liberian youth.
Supporting Students and Strengthening Institutions
Beyond individual scholarships, the Foundation invested in national institutions. It donated 150 bags of cement toward the construction of the Press Union of Liberia headquarters and installed Starlink high-speed internet at William V. S. Tubman High School, the largest public high school in Liberia, significantly improving access to digital learning.
The Foundation also sponsored WAEC tutorial and preparatory programs for more than 1,300 high school students, giving thousands of candidates a better chance at academic success.
Humanitarian Relief and Social Protection
In 2025, the MKNK Foundation responded to humanitarian needs by distributing over 140 bags of rice to communities, Muslims during Ramadan, the elderly, persons with disabilities, orphanages, and students. A disabled single mother in Bong County received a wheelchair, sewing machine, and small business grant, restoring dignity and hope.
The Foundation also raised tens of thousands of U.S. dollars for medical and emergency cases, while hiring lawyers to defend Liberians who were abused or exploited.
Youth, Sports, Arts, and Social Cohesion
Martin Kollie’s impact extended beyond classrooms. The Foundation supported sports development by donating equipment to the Montserrado County Sports Team and promoted national unity by supporting concerts, festivals, reunions, and community initiatives across Montserrado, Bomi, and Bong.
Two Liberian artists, S.I.O and Larry G, received support and went on to win multiple awards in 2025, highlighting the Foundation’s commitment to creative talent and cultural pride.
Building Communities and Fighting Scams
Infrastructure and awareness were not left out. The Foundation began constructing a modern bus stop in Bomi County and organized a high-impact webinar on the “Journey to Canada”, helping Liberians avoid migration scams through education and awareness.
More than a dozen Liberian-owned startups and initiatives also received promotion and support, contributing to local economic growth.
Faith, Gratitude, and the Road to 2026
At the heart of the Foundation’s work is gratitude and faith. Awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by SMART Liberia, Martin Kollie credited God and supporters at home and abroad for making the work possible.
As 2026 approaches, Kollie remains resolute, empowering the youth is not optional but a national duty. With hope, optimism, and confidence, he envisions a New Liberia where every citizen can live with dignity and unlock their full potential.
